Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Requirements, Programs & Salary
A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is a graduate degree built for career-changers and current teachers, usually completed in 12 to 24 months. Many MAT programs are designed to satisfy some or all requirements for initial teacher licensure, depending on the state, often alongside supervised student teaching. It's a different track from a Master's in Education, which typically moves teachers out of the classroom.
A Master of Arts in Teaching is a graduate degree, not just a way to pad a resume. Most people who earn one fall into one of three groups: recent grads who studied something other than education and want to teach anyway, working teachers adding a content specialty, and career-changers who already hold a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field. The MAT can lead to initial teaching certification, and in many programs it does, but the exact path (and whether certification is included at all) varies by school and by state.
Because it's a graduate program, not a state license by itself, what a MAT actually gets you depends on the program you pick. Some MAT programs are built for people with zero classroom background. Others assume you're already teaching and just want to add a subject-area endorsement. This guide walks through what the degree covers, how it differs from a Master's in Education, and where it fits among the other types of education degree available to prospective and current teachers.
History of the Education Field
Teaching wasn't always a credentialed profession. Education was once dominated by men, then shifted to a female-dominated field once schooling became free and compulsory for children up to a certain age. Now, most states expect a bachelor's degree at minimum, and many specialties call for a graduate degree like the MAT.
Earning a Master of Arts in Teaching has become common among educators, and online programs have made it easier to fit around a working teacher's schedule instead of requiring a traditional classroom setting.
Those who pursue a MAT can often choose a specialty, such as:
- Reading Specialist
- Special Educator
- Library Science
A MAT can also open the door to teaching future teachers at the college level.
Why Should I Get a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)?
Earning a Master of Arts in Teaching has a few concrete advantages. It gives current teachers a way to add a specialty, such as reading intervention or special education, without starting a new degree from scratch. For career-changers, it's often the only route into the classroom that doesn't require going back for a second bachelor's degree.
A MAT can also make a new hire's application stand out, since it signals a completed graduate credential and, in many programs, a semester or more of supervised classroom experience. Whether it comes with a pay increase depends entirely on the district's own salary schedule. Some districts pay more for a master's degree, some don't, and that's a question for the specific district's HR office, not something this program guarantees.
An advanced degree also tends to leave a teacher better versed in their subject area, which is a direct benefit to the students in front of them.
MAT Degree Requirements
MAT requirements vary by program, but a few things show up consistently. You'll need a completed bachelor's degree. Some programs require it to be in education or a closely related field, but plenty of MAT programs are built specifically for people whose bachelor's degree is in something else entirely, since that's the whole point of an alternate route into teaching. Check the specific program, don't assume either way.
Standardized-test requirements vary by program, so check the current admissions requirements for any school you're considering. If you already hold a teaching credential, you'll typically need to show passing scores on your state's required licensure exams. Grade point average minimums, recommendation letters, and additional application materials vary by college and should be confirmed directly with the program before applying. If entrance-exam requirements are a deciding factor for you, our roundup of best value teacher prep master's programs breaks down which ones ask for what.
Most MAT programs run about two years, or eight semesters, of full-time study. Online and accelerated formats can shorten that considerably for some programs.
What is the Difference Between a Master's in Education (M.Ed) and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)?
People use "M.Ed." and "MAT" interchangeably all the time, but the two credentials point in different directions.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
A Master of Arts in Teaching (sometimes called a Master's in Teaching) focuses on advancing a classroom teaching career: practical skills and subject-specific content, not administration or policy.
People who earn a MAT are usually looking to gain hands-on classroom experience or to stay in the classroom as a long-term career choice.
Most MAT programs require student teaching, which works like an internship: the candidate spends a set stretch of time practicing real classroom instruction under supervision.
Traditional MAT programs typically take about two years, though online formats can move faster, and some schools design their MAT specifically around a working teacher's schedule.
Master's in Education (M.Ed)
A Master's in Education (M.Ed.) is an advanced degree that usually signals a move out of the classroom into other areas of education. An M.Ed. holder can still teach, but the degree is more often used for university-level teaching or a broader role in the education field.
Common M.Ed. specialties include:
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Counselor Education
- Educational Administration
Curriculum and Instruction prepares graduates to help develop and implement teaching approaches and curricula across subject areas.
Those in Counselor Education typically aim to become school or guidance counselors.
People pursuing Educational Administration are preparing for jobs as school administrators, though some districts require additional coursework or credentials before hiring into those roles.
Online MAT Programs
Online MAT programs work well for teachers already in the classroom who want to add a subject-area endorsement or sharpen their skills without stepping away from work. Plenty of schools now offer MAT programs fully online, and others blend online coursework with in-person classroom experience.
Opportunity and Accessibility for Online MAT Programs
Online MAT programs have opened the degree up to people who couldn't otherwise fit it around their location, schedule, or accessibility needs. More schools now offer accredited online options, which means a wider range of programs to choose from. Coursework can be completed on your own time, and the basic requirements are simple: a reliable internet connection and a computer.
Flexible Time Schedule for an Online MAT Program
Most people pursuing a MAT are already working full time as classroom teachers. An online program lets a working teacher organize study time around their job instead of the other way around, whether that means finishing assignments late at night or during a lunch break.
Faster Completion of Online MAT Program
Online MAT programs are often shorter than their on-campus counterparts, since commuting and in-person lectures aren't part of the equation. A shorter timeline doesn't necessarily mean an easier one: some accelerated programs pack in more rigor to make up the difference. Weigh both when comparing programs.
Accreditation of Online MAT Programs
Look for a program accredited by a recognized body. CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) is the most common accreditor for educator preparation programs today, having absorbed the earlier NCATE and TEAC accreditations in 2013. CAEP accreditation is common and worth checking for, but it isn't the only path: some states and employers recognize other accreditors or state-specific program approval instead. Whether a specific program's accreditation status will count toward licensure in your state is a question for that state's educator-licensing agency, not a universal rule. Confirm directly with the college or university you're considering.
Master of Arts in Teaching Programs & Specialties
Like most education programs, MAT degrees come with specialty options. A few common ones are described below.
Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Education
A Master of Arts in Secondary Education focuses on teaching grades 6 through 12. Alongside a general overview of secondary education, most programs have you pick a subject-area specialty, which can lead toward an additional content-area endorsement in many states. Common endorsement areas include science (biology, chemistry, physics), English language arts, foreign languages, mathematics (algebra, geometry, calculus), and social sciences (sociology, psychology, history, political science).
Required coursework often includes:
- Assessment and Evaluation: The different types and forms of assessment and how each gets used in the classroom.
- Working in a Collaborative Environment: How to work with colleagues across a variety of settings and purposes.
- Teaching Secondary Students: How to set realistic expectations for students at specific grade levels.
Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education
A Master of Arts in Elementary Education focuses on teaching kindergarten through roughly eighth grade, depending on the district. Since elementary teachers cover every subject area, the coursework reflects that breadth, though some programs offer specialties like music or physical education.
Required coursework often includes:
- Student Development and Learning: Different types of learners and age-appropriate teaching practices.
- Curriculum and Development: Not just implementing a curriculum, but finding one that fits the age and level of your students.
- Teaching Effectively: Reaching diverse learners in the classroom in a variety of ways.
Master of Arts in Teaching, Teaching Diverse Learners
A MAT in Teaching Diverse Learners is usually built for teachers already in the classroom who want to add an endorsement in working with special education students and culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
Required coursework often includes:
- Diverse Family Cultures: Cultural differences that can affect communication and participation in the classroom.
- Special Education in the Classroom: Adapting assignments and teaching so all students can hit milestones.
- Diverse Learners: The range of learning styles and needs students bring to class, not limited to learning or physical disabilities.
Master of Arts in Teaching, Reading and Literacy
A MAT in Reading and Literacy may prepare graduates to pursue a reading-specialist endorsement or credential, subject to state-specific requirements. It focuses on teaching and remediation of reading and literacy skills across grade levels, with endorsements that often include K-8 Language Arts, Early Childhood Literacy, English, Speech, Journalism, Literature, Writing, or Yearbook.
Required coursework often includes:
- Tiered Reading: Building a tiered reading program and teaching to each level appropriately.
- Foundations of Reading and Literacy: The core theories and principles behind reading instruction.
- Reading in the Content Areas: Strategies for weaving reading and literacy skills into every subject.
Master of Arts in Teaching, Mathematics
A MAT in Mathematics is usually built either for teachers adding a math endorsement or for those becoming secondary math teachers from scratch. Common endorsements include calculus, geometry, middle school math, and algebra and trigonometry.
Required coursework often includes:
- The American High School: The organization, philosophy, curriculum, and structure of the American high school.
- Research on Teaching Methods in Mathematics: Research methods, validity, and data gathering as they apply to math instruction.
- History of Mathematics: Historically influential concepts in the field of mathematics.
Top Online MAT Programs
The fully online MAT programs below aren't ranked in any particular order. This list isn't an endorsement or recommendation of any single program, and admissions requirements and tuition change often, so confirm current figures directly with the school before applying.
1. USC Rossier School of Education
- Designed for aspiring K-12 teachers
- Offers free test preparation services through Teachers Test Prep
- MAT with Teaching Credential option, or MAT alone
The Master of Arts in Teaching program at USC Rossier Online is built for those who want to teach K-12. The program can lead to a recommendation for a teaching credential, and it follows the same curriculum as the on-campus program: theory paired with field-based teaching experience, organized around foundations, methods, language and literacy, and fieldwork.
Admission requires a bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited university, a strong academic record, the ability to demonstrate effective written and verbal communication, a statement of purpose, and an official TOEFL score for ESL applicants. Confirm current tuition, credit requirements, and deadlines directly with USC Rossier Online.
Request Information on Admission, Tuition, and Financial Aid
2. Liberty University
- Designed for individuals without prior teaching experience
- Specializations in Elementary, Secondary, and Special Education
- Requires student teaching within your subject area
Liberty University's Master of Arts in Teaching is available fully online and built for people without previous teaching experience. All three specializations require student teaching, with coursework tied to the chosen subject or grade level.
Admission runs through Liberty's admissions counselors, with conditional enrollment available for some applicants. Confirm current tuition rates and program length directly with Liberty's admissions office.
3. University of St. Francis
- Fully online coursework
- Flexible eight-week courses
- Transition to Teaching option for faster classroom entry
The MAT at the University of St. Francis is fully online and works for licensed teachers as well as those pursuing certification for the first time. Its Transition to Teaching track can move candidates into the classroom faster than a typical program, with no required login times or class meetings outside of student teaching. The university holds accreditation through the Indiana Department of Education and CAEP.
Admission requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, a minimum GPA (with an alternate path for applicants with several years of professional experience), and standardized test scores. Licensure requires meeting the applicable state's testing and background-check requirements. Confirm current admissions and tuition figures directly with the university.
4. Michigan State University
- Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum
- Designed for beginning and experienced teachers
- Options in K-12 World Languages, ESL, or Special Education
Michigan State's fully online Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum is designed for beginning and experienced teachers who want to build leadership skills alongside subject expertise. Coursework covers diversity, subject-matter understanding, and information literacy, through classes like Inquiry into Classroom Teaching and Learning and Curriculum in its Social Context. Important distinction from the other programs on this list: MSU's program does not lead to initial teacher certification, so it's built for those who are already licensed or teaching, not for someone seeking their first license through this degree.
The application requires official transcripts, a strong undergraduate GPA in your last two years of study, a goals statement, a professional essay and resume, and three letters of recommendation. Degree work must be completed within five years of starting. Confirm current tuition and financial aid options directly with MSU.
5. Western Governors University
- Cohorts begin in fall and spring
- In-classroom fieldwork with experienced teachers
- Requires completion of a professional portfolio
WGU's online Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education (K-8) lets learners become elementary teachers while earning a master's degree. WGU was the first fully online program to earn NCATE (now CAEP) accreditation.
Core coursework includes Foundations of Teaching, Mathematics Content, Instructional Planning and Presentation, Elementary Education Methods, and Preclinical Experiences, typically spread across about five terms (a bit over two years including student teaching). WGU's tuition model charges per six-month term rather than per credit, regardless of course load. Confirm current term pricing directly with WGU.
http://www.wgu.edu/education/teacher_certification_elementary_master_degree
Top Master of Arts in Teaching Schools
The MAT programs below aren't ranked in any particular order and aren't an endorsement or recommendation of any single program. Admissions requirements and tuition change often, so confirm current figures directly with each school.
1. University of North Carolina
- Licensure areas: Grades 6-9 and 9-12 Mathematics and Science, or 9-12 English and Social Studies
- Full-time, one-year program with fall-to-June coursework and field experience
UNC's Master of Arts in Teaching prepares candidates for initial licensure in one of several grade-band and subject combinations. The program runs full-time for a year, combining a set course sequence with a full-time classroom internship, and candidates must meet North Carolina's applicable licensure requirements, including any required exams, before certification.
Admission requires meeting application deadlines with letters of recommendation, a complete application, and official test scores. Tuition and fees are set each semester based on residency and other factors. Confirm current requirements and costs directly with UNC's School of Education.
2. Brown University
- One-year, intensive program
- Small class sizes
- Elementary and Secondary MAT tracks
Brown's Master of Arts in Teaching is a one-year program with certification available in elementary education (grades 1-6) or secondary education (grades 7-12) in English, History/Social Studies, or Science. Coursework includes Educational Leadership in Diverse Settings, Methods of Teaching, and Systems and Structures in Urban Education, among others, all completed within a single 12-month cohort starting each June.
Admission includes an online application, transcripts, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, official GRE scores, and a writing sample for ESL applicants. Financial aid and scholarships are available based on need. Confirm current tuition directly with Brown's School of Education.
https://www.brown.edu/academics/education/graduate/master-arts-teaching
3. Washington University in St. Louis
- Master of Science in Deaf Education (MSDE)
- MSW/Master of Arts in Education dual degree, in partnership with the Brown School
- Accredited by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Council on Education of the Deaf
Washington University in St. Louis's current graduate education offerings differ from the broader multi-subject Master of Arts in Teaching this list previously described. The Department of Education now offers a Master of Science in Deaf Education, which trains teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing, and a dual-degree MSW/Master of Arts in Education program through the Brown School for those pursuing work at the intersection of social work and education.
Confirm current admission requirements, credit hours, and tuition directly with the university, since programs and structure have changed since this page's original writing.
4. University of Portland
- Ten-month MAT program, or a two-year MAT residency at Open School East
- Prepares candidates for early childhood through high school
- Cohorts run June through April
The University of Portland's Master of Arts in Teaching prepares candidates for early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school classrooms, with a new cohort forming each June. Unlike many programs, it charges no application fee, and it also offers a two-year MAT residency option in Multnomah County.
Required coursework includes Policies and Practices for Diverse Learners, School, Parent, and Community Relations, Academic Assessments, and Linguistics. Admission requires an application plus GRE scores, recommendation letters, and a personal statement, typically due in November. Confirm current per-credit tuition directly with the university.
https://www.up.edu/academics/degrees-programs/education-mat.html
5. Johns Hopkins School of Education
- Nationally accredited program
- Elementary or secondary certification tracks
- Certification areas include English, math, sciences, and social studies
Johns Hopkins' Master of Arts in Teaching is a nationally accredited program preparing candidates for initial certification across elementary, middle, and high school, with specific certifications in English, mathematics, science, and social studies. It's available full or part time in a range of formats.
Required coursework includes Human Development and Learning, Materials for Teaching Reading, Classroom Management, and Field Experience, among others. Admission requires an application with fee, official transcripts with a strong GPA, a resume, recommendation letters, an essay, and test scores (GRE or ACT), followed by an interview for accepted applicants. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Confirm current per-credit tuition directly with the school.
6. Northeastern Illinois University
- Elementary education specialization with initial certification
- Additional coursework required for a middle school endorsement
Northeastern Illinois University's Master of Arts in Teaching is open to bachelor's degree holders who want to teach kindergarten through eighth grade, leading to K-9 licensure, a middle school endorsement, and a master's degree. Required coursework includes Research Methodologies, Media Technology, Teaching Writing, and Issues in Reading Instruction, among others.
Admission requires meeting the College of Graduate Studies and Research's requirements, plus transcripts, two letters of professional recommendation, a writing sample, and meeting Illinois's applicable teacher licensure testing requirements. Confirm current resident and non-resident tuition rates directly with the university.
7. Rice University
- No thesis required
- Built for new and experienced teachers seeking endorsements
- Subject specialties include art, English, history, Spanish, math, and multiple sciences
Rice University's Master of Arts in Teaching is a graduate degree program without a thesis requirement, built for new or experienced teachers who want to add an endorsement. Required coursework includes Teaching and Learning with Inquiry, Teaching Diverse Learners, Literacy Across the Curriculum, and Educational Technologies and Digital Learning, plus capstone courses and electives.
Admission requires official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a statement of intent, a recent GRE score, an application fee, and a faculty interview. Confirm current tuition and fees directly with Rice.
8. Boston University
- Subject-specific MAT tracks through BU Wheelock College of Education & Human Development
- About one year full-time, longer for part-time students
- Leads to initial licensure in the chosen subject, grades 5-12
Boston University's Wheelock College of Education & Human Development now offers subject-specific MAT tracks rather than one broad program, such as the MAT in English Education for Equity & Justice, preparing candidates for initial licensure in that subject at grades 5-12. Programs run about one year full-time (longer part-time) and combine coursework with a multi-semester practicum culminating in student teaching.
Admission requirements vary by track but typically include an online application, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Confirm current tuition and the specific subject tracks offered directly with BU Wheelock.
9. UC Irvine
- Combined MAT and Teaching Credential program
- Covers both multiple-subject and single-subject credential areas
- Yearlong school-site apprenticeship during the credential phase
UC Irvine's Master of Arts in Teaching with Credential program covers both multiple- and single-subject credential areas, with two separate start dates each year, and allows applicants without prior teaching experience to earn licensure by meeting California's applicable credentialing requirements.
Coursework covers classroom management, development, and subject-area content. Admission requires an online application with a personal history and statement of purpose, transcripts, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, a certificate of clearance, and a negative TB test. Scholarships and financial aid are available for qualifying applicants. Confirm current resident and non-resident tuition directly with UC Irvine.
10. North Carolina State University
- Accelerated program leading to an initial teaching license and a master's degree
- Hybrid model with both online and face-to-face classes
- Prepares candidates for K-12 classrooms
NC State's Master of Arts in Teaching is an accelerated, on-campus program based in Wake County, North Carolina, leading to an initial teaching license and a master's degree. It covers licensure areas including Secondary Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and English, Middle Grade Language Arts and Social Studies, Technology Education, Special Education, Elementary Education, and ESL.
Core coursework includes Principles of Developing and Interpreting Assessment, Exploring Diversity in Classrooms and the Community, Enhanced Internship in Teaching, and Classroom Action Research, plus subject-specific classes for each licensure area.
Admission requires a four-year degree from a regionally accredited college, a combined GRE verbal and quantitative score meeting the program's threshold, a strong GPA, three letters of recommendation, and a personal essay, with both fall and spring start dates. Confirm current resident and non-resident tuition directly with NC State.
https://distance.ncsu.edu/programs/master-of-arts-in-teaching
Career Pathways with a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
Earning a Master of Arts in Teaching is real work, whether you were already in a classroom or making a career change. Once the degree and license are in hand, a few paths tend to open up.
| Career Path | Annual Wage | Job Growth (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary (High) School Teacher | $76,320 (mean) | -1.6%, 66,200 openings/yr |
| Elementary School Teacher (K-5) | $63,970 (median) | -2.0%, 91,000 openings/yr |
| Middle School Teacher | $72,030 (mean) | -2.0%, 40,500 openings/yr |
High School Science Teacher
A high school science teacher spends the day teaching science, often at varying levels, to high school students, and a specialty like chemistry, biology, earth science, or physics can be an advantage. Because science is considered a high-need subject in many districts, science teachers are sometimes offered loan repayment in exchange for a multi-year teaching commitment.
Science teachers typically work with a class of 30 or fewer students, often in a room set up partly as a lab. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, secondary school teachers earn a mean annual wage of about $76,320 nationally, though pay varies by state and district. Employment of secondary teachers is projected to decline slightly (about 1.6%) between 2024 and 2034, but Projections Central still estimates around 66,200 openings a year as teachers retire or leave the profession.
Elementary School Teacher (K-5)
An elementary school teacher works with one class for a full school year, covering math, reading, writing, science, and social studies. A typical classroom holds 25 students or fewer, usually with a mix of desks, activity centers, and a few computers.
The median annual wage for elementary school teachers is about $63,970 nationally, though it varies by state, district, and school. Employment is projected to decline slightly, about 2% between 2024 and 2034, but Projections Central still estimates around 91,000 openings a year, largely from retirements and turnover rather than new positions.
Middle School Teacher (Literature Teacher)
A middle school literature teacher covers literature and literacy skills for students in grades 6 through 8, usually within a single grade level across multiple class periods. Class sizes run from a handful of students to 20 or 30, in a room typically set up with reading materials and basic classroom technology.
Middle school teachers earn a mean annual wage of about $72,030 nationally, though this varies by district, state, and county. Growth in the field has been slow. Employment is projected to decline about 2% between 2024 and 2034, with roughly 40,500 openings a year expected as teachers retire or move on.
Curriculum Developer
Not everyone with a MAT stays in the classroom. A curriculum developer works with textbook publishers and other organizations to produce educational content, drawing on classroom experience to shape materials that will actually get used. This can lead to work as a consultant, researcher, or online content developer.
Scholarships
Most people pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching are already teachers or are aiming to enter the field, and plenty of colleges and universities offer specialty tracks under the MAT umbrella, letting candidates earn the general degree while focusing on a specific subject or age range.
Beyond specialty and program-specific aid, a few outside scholarships can help MAT candidates cover the cost of the degree.
NEA-Retired Jack Kinnaman Memorial Scholarship
The NEA-Retired Jack Kinnaman Memorial Scholarship awards five scholarships of $3,500 each to members of the NEA's Aspiring Educators program who demonstrate financial need and intend to pursue a teaching career. The application deadline is April 15.
The Journalism Education Association's Future Teacher Scholarships
The Journalism Education Association's Future Teacher Scholarships award up to five recipients $1,000 each. Eligible applicants must be education majors enrolled in an upper-division master's degree program leading toward teaching journalism at the secondary level. The deadline falls every July 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Master of Arts in Teaching the same as a teaching license?
Not by itself. A MAT is a graduate degree, and many programs are built to lead toward initial teaching certification, but the license itself comes from your state's educator-licensing agency once you've met its specific requirements, which can include passing scores on required exams. Some MAT programs include certification as part of the degree, and some don't, so confirm this with any program you're considering.
Do I need a bachelor's degree in education to get a MAT?
Not necessarily. Plenty of MAT programs are built specifically for career-changers whose bachelor's degree is in an unrelated field, since that's part of the appeal of an alternate route into teaching. Some programs do prefer or require an education-related background. Check the specific program rather than assuming either way.
How long does a Master of Arts in Teaching take?
Most full-time MAT programs run about two years, or eight semesters. Accelerated and online formats can shorten that timeline, sometimes to a year or a year and a half, though a faster pace doesn't always mean a lighter course load.
What's the difference between a MAT and an M.Ed?
A MAT is built around classroom teaching itself: practical instruction and subject-area content, usually including student teaching. An M.Ed. more often points toward roles outside the classroom, like curriculum design, school counseling, or administration.
Is CAEP accreditation required for a MAT program?
CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) is the most common accreditor for teacher-preparation programs, but it isn't a universal requirement. Some states and employers recognize other accreditors or state-specific approval processes. Confirm directly with your state's educator-licensing agency whether a specific program's accreditation will count toward licensure where you plan to teach.
- A MAT is a degree, not a license. Certification comes from your state's educator-licensing agency, and whether a program includes it depends on the school.
- You don't need an education background to qualify. Many MAT programs are built for career-changers with unrelated bachelor's degrees, though some do require an education-related one.
- CAEP is common, not mandatory. Confirm accreditation and its effect on licensure with your state's educator-licensing agency before enrolling.
- Most programs run about two years full-time. Online and accelerated formats can shorten that, sometimes with a heavier course load to match.
- A MAT and an M.Ed. serve different goals. A MAT keeps you in the classroom, while an M.Ed. more often leads toward administration, counseling, or curriculum work.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Secondary (High) School Teachers, Elementary School Teachers, and Middle School Teachers reflect May 2025 national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2026.
Choosing a MAT program comes down to a few real questions: does it lead to certification in your state, is it accredited, and does the schedule fit around the life you already have. The sponsored programs on this page include several formats worth comparing side by side.